Former House of Representatives member and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. (Dr) Oladipupo Adebutu, has mourned the death of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing his passing as an irreplaceable loss to Ijebuland, Yorubaland, and Nigeria at large.
Oba Adetona, who reigned for over six decades, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.
The monarch’s death has drawn tributes from across the country, with Adebutu joining prominent voices in honouring his remarkable reign and legacy.
In a statement signed by the Media Director of the Ladi Adebutu Development Organisation, Afolabi Orekoya, the Asiwaju of Odogbolu and Agba Akin Bobaniyi Akile Ijebu said he received the news of the monarch’s transition with a heart “heavy with grief but full of gratitude for a life exceptionally lived.”
“Oba Adetona was not just a traditional ruler, he was royalty in its truest, noblest form,” Adebutu said.
“For over sixty years, he reigned with wisdom, courage, and an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. His throne became a moral compass for the nation.”
According to Adebutu, the late monarch was “a rare blend of royalty and reform,” who modernised the traditional institution while fiercely preserving its essence.
He praised Oba Adetona’s boldness, integrity, and cross-generational influence, noting that “he was bold when others trembled, firm when others faltered, and deeply respected across political, cultural, and generational lines.”
Highlighting Oba Adetona’s contributions to cultural revival, Adebutu recalled the monarch’s instrumental role in elevating the Ojude Oba Festival into a globally recognised celebration of Ijebu identity and Nigerian heritage.
He added that the late monarch’s influence extended far beyond the borders of Ijebuland.
“To many of us, he was not just a king — he was a guardian of truth, a custodian of legacy, and a father-figure whose presence gave us confidence in our heritage and future,” he stated.
Describing his death as a monumental loss, Adebutu prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul and strength for the Adetona Royal Family, the Ogbagba Ruling House, the Council of Chiefs, and all indigenes of Ijebuland.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Adebutu concluded, “and may his towering legacy endure across generations as a beacon of courage, integrity, and royal excellence.”
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